It seems January flew by and pushed back some of my goals as I spent the first two weeks sick. Nevertheless, I am excited that I launched the blog at last! It feels good to have this space of my own. To wrap up the month, I’m linking up to Leigh Kramer for the January edition of “What I’m Into.”
What I’ve Been up to:
- Geeking out on everything to do with planners. I had to start a Pinterest board.
- Taking new headshots with my husband at Crescent beach. Funny how the beach disguises the season and lack of colour. It’s one of my favourite places in winter.
- Attending the Beth Moore conference in Abbotsford.
Books:
The Road Back to You: This is the third book I’ve read about the Enneagram (personality types). It won’t be the last because I am somewhat obsessed. I enjoyed the humour in this one and how there is a more personal approach with stories. There is a chapter for each of the nine types that describes them as children, in relationships, at work, their stress and security points and includes suggestions for transformation. This is helpful, but I found it quite brief. I prefer the wealth of information with many comparison charts found in the book, “Wisdom of the Enneagram.”
The Broken Way: “Maybe wholeness is not reaching for perfection in your life; maybe wholeness is embracing brokenness as part of your life.” I started this at the beginning of the month and need to pick it up again. It is packed with gems so I need to read it slow while taking notes!
Podcasts:
Sorta Awesome – Our Favorite Follows: I love the positive company of these ladies while working online. I enjoyed this podcast where they discussed their favourite accounts on social media to follow.
The Road Back to You: I have listened to most of these podcasts before reading the book and I’d highly recommend them if you’re interested in the Enneagram. It is especially fascinating listening to them interview people and discuss their Enneagram type. I’d even say you may find more information through the podcast than their book!
Faith Conversations – Carolyn Custis James: This podcast is a new discovery for me so I have a lot of listening to do! We have a few books by Caroyln Custis James so I started with her interview where she discusses the topics of her book, “Malestrom.” She shares about the “plethora of distorted images of manhood in our society and even in the church.” She emphasizes that patriarchy is not the message of the Bible, but the cultural backdrop of the message.
Music:
The Brilliance (one of my favourites) just released their new album, “All is Not Lost.” This is a very hope-filled album, but it is honest and I think it speaks to a call for justice. I’m listening to some of their older releases too (Does Your Heart Break? and Run) and find myself thankful for musicians that make space for lament.
Internet:
A Gentle Way to Review Your Life – I love the practical advice here. “Reflect back on a period of time (it could be as small as the past 24 hours or as large as the last 12 months) and consider what was life-draining and what was life-giving.”
But Where Did the Algorithm Come From? – This is from Seth Godin for all us algorithm haters. “Imagine if the owner of the local bookstore hid books from various authors or publishers.”
Dear Justice – I just stumbled on this beautiful piece yesterday from Leah Abraham. “You lingered and you waited. You watched as I peeled away another layer of youth and naivety, and as I learned to color the world with complexity, and not just with black or white, good or bad.”
On Being a Christian and Feminist… and Belonging Nowhere – “Being both a Christian and a feminist can be frustrating. But it’s also a gift. Because I don’t get to indulge in stereotypes. I don’t get to reduce people to caricatures. I have to embody the truth that people are people and love is love and we are all worthy and we all belong.”
A Memo To Languishing Prophets – I keep coming back to this piece written by Mandy Smith. “Even as you lament the dimness of the light, Fan into flame any flicker you see.”
Favourite Instagram:
What have you been up to this January?
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